The Climb - Cross Roads & Defining Moments

Larry Autrey is the CEO & Managing Partner of Whitley Penn. He has more than 30 years of tax, advisory and business valuation experience focused on public and private clients. His areas of practice include mergers and acquisitions, manufacturing, distribution, profit enhancement, professional services, business valuations, and estate planning.In this episode, we discuss:- How AI and Blockchain are changing the Accounting industry- How future accountants can remain valuable in this new future- the impact of PE on firm valuationsLinks:Whitley PennLarry on LinkedInTopics:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:24) - Thoughts on the state of the world(00:18:07) - Inquiry into the influence of early life experiences on career choices.(00:36:35) - Growth rates and defining moments in the firm's history.(00:42:02) - Strategies for dealing with an aging population within the firm and sustainability.(00:44:16) - Private Equity and valuations(00:48:00) - The future of the accounting profession.(00:50:45) - The impact of blockchain and AI on the industry(00:57:44) - The mindset of younger generations regarding career progression and firm loyalty

George has nearly 17 years of hands-on experience in the parking realm, focusing on managing the parking operations of class-A office garage facilities and comparable top-tier parking operations across the continental United States. He prides himself on deep domain knowledge of the event parking space and providing a comprehensive suite of services both software and hardware to support his ever-growing clientele therein. In order to consistently exceed customer expectations in the event-parking space, ParkHub provides logistics and occupancy management services, as well as cutting-edge insights into parking operations for management.We discuss:- Hot topics in 2024- George's upbringing- Building ParkHub- The future of TechnologyLinks:ParkHubGeorge on LinkedInTopics:(00:02:00) - Immigration, Ukraine, Russia, Israel, and inflation(00:08:07) - George’s upbringing(00:11:40) - The Parking industry(00:16:49) - Building ParkHub(00:27:41) - Defining moments(00:33:07) - Getting comfortable with selling the company(00:34:36) - Empathy, humility and being lonely at the top(00:38:15) - The future of technology(00:41:46) - Selling the business(00:44:02) - What’s next for George(00:45:15) - Advice for entrepreneurs(00:48:00) - What’s something few people know about you?(00:50:00) - Fatherhood

Mike has twenty-five years of real estate and finance experience. His experience includes structuring joint ventures, acquisitions, development, accounting, and investment management; with acquisition officer responsibility for approximately $1 billion in investment across asset classes and in multiple U.S. markets.On this episode, we discuss:- Growing up with Best disease (vitelliform macular dystrophy)- The changing landscape of NIL in college sports- Mike's real estate career, thoughts on the market and entering the cannabis industry from a real estate perspecitve- Building a real estate investment platformLinks:Mike on LinkedInMorningside Capital(00:00:00) - Intro(00:03:27) - Dealing with Best disease as a child(00:20:23) - The evolving landscape of NIL(00:24:01) - Mike's career(00:41:29) - Lessons learned and setbacks(00:44:40) - The real estate opportunity in the marijuana industry(00:52:33) - Building an investment platform

Philip is a Partner in the Corporate team at Knights PLC.Experienced in a wide range of corporate transactions, Philip specializes in domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions and has advised on many high-value and complex corporate transactions.Philip’s experience covers UK and international transactions across a wide range of sectors, including building products, house building, oil and gas, manufacturing, healthcare, sport, and technology. Philip also has strong experience in equity capital markets and private equity transactions, group reorganizations, shareholder and joint venture agreements, and general strategic corporate matters.Additionally, Philip has a strong international practice and experience, with a particular focus on the US market and supporting US and European corporates, individuals, and law firms.In this episode, Michael and Philp engage in a deeply vulnerable conversation centered around Philip discovering the truth behind his family's past.Topics:00:00:00 - Intro00:03:24 - Philp’s background and career00:11:34 - How a Brit perceives the state of affairs in the USA00:17:38 - Philip’s journey to discover his birth parents01:12:26 - What do you want people to know about you?Links:Michael on LinkedInPhilip on LinkedIn

Anna M. Alvarado is a business-oriented, operationally focused executive who is bilingual (fluent in Spanish) and bicultural. In her role as Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Texas Capital Bank and its parent company, Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ®: TCBI), she is responsible for supervising and coordinating all legal services for the company, serving as key legal advisor to the Board of Directors, ensuring legal compliance with all securities laws and banking regulations, serving as the lead legal advisor on all the firm’s strategic initiatives and commercial and transactional matters, advising the bank on litigation risks, and serving as primary liaison with regulators.On this episode, Michael and Anna discuss:- Anna's upbringing in an immigrant family and the American Dream- Developing her sense of adventure and risk-taking- Her career with Texas Capital BankLinks:Upward BoundTexas Capital BankAnna on LinkedInTopics:(00:01:00) Introducing Anna(00:02:24) Anna’s upbringing(00:17:40) Thoughts on the immigration crisis(00:23:48) College and Law School (00:38:10) Anna’s early law career(00:45:51) What’s something nobody knows about you?(00:53:51) Anna’s career with Texas Capital Bank(00:58:20) What do you want people to know about you?

Business owner, designer, mentor, and passionate activist, Nancy Gale is an inspiring individual with a fascinating story of overcoming hardship and turning it into something beautiful.A strong force not only in the entrepreneurial world but also in shaping future generations, Nancy is the founder and creative vision behind JAMAH, an American luxury, Made in the USA bespoke handbag brand, featuring the finest customized Italian lambskin and exotic handbags, men’s bags and accessories.She also founded AMBITION, a nonprofit entrepreneurial program for disadvantaged youth. Its mission is to reframe their potential and to provide students with the support, access, and resources necessary to reach their goals.Links:Nancy on LinkedInambition.orginfo@ambition.orgJamah.comTopics:(00:00:31) Introducing Nancy(00:03:39) Southfield, Michigan(00:05:43) Solving a murder, and dealing with the aftermath of loss (00:36:02) Nancy’s Foundation & the non-profit world(00:54:52) Nancy’s handbag business(00:59:06) What do you want people to know about you?

CT Charlton currently serves as the President of the Charlton Group.  Leaving a career in finance to officially join the Charlton team in 2011, CT was responsible for starting the industrial division which has been an area of steady growth and diversification across all business units.  Over the following 10 years, CT has held roles in Chicago and Seattle before moving to Detroit in 2020.  Under CT’s leadership, the company has grown significantly expanding heavily into connected vehicles, ADAS, and autonomy.  He has put extensive effort into growing his outstanding teams in Europe and North America, enjoying record profits each year driven by thoughtful partnerships and investing back into the businesses Charlton believes in.On this episode, Michael and CT discuss:The familial dynamic between generations of Charlton leadershipTeaching love and empathy within the businessCT's passion for flying and how that's translated to becoming a better leaderLinks:The Charlton GroupCT on LinkedInMichael on LinkedInTimestamps(00:01:29) Colorado, Coach Prime, Family, the Armed Forces (00:07:19) The Founding of Charlton & growing the business(00:19:39) The Charlton family dynamic between generations(00:27:49) Pivoting during the Pandemic and over the next 20 years(00:33:00) Teaching love and empathy(00:36:59) As your company becomes more global, what excites you and what worries you?(00:40:23) CT’s flying hobby(00:43:51) How does learning to be a pilot translate to your leadership at work?(00:46:37) What is your true north when you feel lost?(00:49:24) What do you want people to konw about you?

Tony Iannessa is the Founder and CEO of BIG Construction. Born in Chicago, Tony Iannessa is driven by the work ethic he inherited from his family, who immigrated from Italy in the early 1950s. Having built a foundation working in the trades, Tony’s roots in construction trace back to his youth, when he spent summers as a concrete laborer and interning with an electrical contractor.On this episode, we discuss Tony's upbringing as the 2nd of four brothers and how that impacted his career today. We also spend a lot of time discussing how Tony has dealt with the hard times we face in life, specifically with his wife having to overcome breast cancer shortly after the birth of their child. We also reflect on why we get fired from jobs, the challenges of running a business and how to implement company values. Enjoy the Climb!Links:Tony on LinkedInBIG ConstructionImerman AngelsYPO

Bob Kinnan is the resident historian of the legendary King Ranch, which now covers 825,000 acres—more land than the state of Rhode Island. Over 160 years, King Ranch led some of the first cattle drives, developed the Santa Gertrudis and Santa Cruz cattle breeds, bred the finest Quarter Horses, and produced champion Thoroughbreds—all under its iconic Running W® brand.Bob dives deep into the history of the Ranch, from the beginning in 1853, when Captain Richard King purchased a creek-fed oasis in the Wild Horse Desert of South Texas, to the current day where the ranch is still owned by the 8th generation of the King family. We also discuss life in Austin back in the 50s and 60s, Bob's career, and more. Enjoy the Climb!Links:King RanchKing Ranch: A Legacy in ArtTopics:(1:56) - Bob’s background, career, and family(12:20) - How Austin has changed since the ’50s(16:50) - The legacy and history of the King Ranch(54:31) - The introduction of King Ranch Inc. and taking the Ranch global(1:09:05) - What were some of the challenges that the family has gone through?(1:16:00) - What does the King Ranch look like 100 years from now?(1:20:58) - Summer in the 1950s and 1960s in Austin(1:26:25) - What do you want people to know about you?

Links:Breneman CapitalThe Rise and Invest PodcastTopics:(0:14) - Drew’s background and career(3:55) - What do you think inspired your entrepreneurial curiosity?(5:39) - Drew’s family dynamic(7:27) - How did you qualify for your first loan?(8:50) - What was your first deal?(9:19) - What would you tell new investors looking at getting into Real Estate?(15:22) - Are there things about RE investing that don’t change as you’ve done this over 17 years?(18:24) - How’d you end up on HGTV?(20:25) - The Keep it Simple Investing Philosophy(25:18) - What did you learn from working for a MF developer?(33:58) - What were some sacrifices you made when starting your own organization?(36:19) - How do you develop the ability to see 3-4 steps ahead in a competitive space like Real Estate?(43:19) - Where do you see home ownership vs. renting over the next decade?(50:14) - Drew’s journey as a podcaster(51:40) - What’s something that people don’t know about you?(55:13) - What do you want people to know about you?

Ryan "Birdman" Parrott is a US Navy SEAL and joins us on the podcast to give us an inside look at the BUD/S training process, his life prior to joining up, his philanthropy work with Veterans and so much more. Enjoy the Climb!Links:Sons of the FlagAmerican ExtremeBirds Eye View ProjectRyan Birdman Parrott on InstagramSons of the Flag book by Ryan ParrotTopics:(2:13) - Ryan’s background and upbringing(10:26) - What resistance did you face from family and friends during this time?(12:08) - What fire was lit inside you in the aftermath of 9/11?(16:40) - Ryan’s experience at BUD/S931:37) - What are your thoughts on the nature vs. nurture aspect of being able to become a SEAL?(35:03) - Hell Week(44:51) - Is there something you learned about yourself during that time?(45:44) - Appreciation for the folks who choose to serve(46:57) - The nature of being a SEAL & traumas of the military(58:08) - Why don’t we do a good job of taking care of our veterans?(1:02:45) - What can listeners do to help?(1:06:45) - What’s something that no one knows about you?(1:10:47) - What do you want people to know about you?

Matt Johnson is a North Texas Business Titan. His has successful ventures across a variety of industries including automotive, entertainment, and firearms. He joins us today to discuss his approach to building businesses through customer service, how he disrupts industries, and diversifying himself as an entrepreneur. We also touch on the politically volatile nature of some of his businesses, firearm education, advising the next generation and much more. Enjoy! Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-johnson-173b7844/ Michael Moore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmoore/ Bob Wierema on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wierema/ Holiday Autogroup: https://www.holidayautogroup.com/ Courtside Kitchen: https://www.courtsidekitchenfw.com/ Defender Outdoors: https://defenderoutdoors.com/ (1:18) - Why did you want to be a guest on this podcast? (4:21) - Matt’s approach to building businesses through customer service (13:20) - How were you able to expand a simple auto sales business into multiple arms of revenue? (15:58) - What other business ventures are you involved in? (21:07) - How do you think about disrupting a business or an industry? (23:16) - What have the last two years been like managing the different verticals you’re in given the politcally charged nature of some of them? (30:14) - What work are you doing from an education standpoint in your firearms business? (36:52) - You’re based in Texas, how would you approach firearm education in a state where laws are more strict? (40:36) - How do you continue to diversify yourself as an entrepreneur? (44:50) - How do you get employees to open up to you with potentially negative feedback? (47:27) - Matt’s career journey (50:47) - What advice would you give the next generation? (57:50) - What are you currently working on? (1:00:05) - What do you want people to know about you?

Lindsay Androski serves as President and CEO of Roivant Social Ventures. Shei joined Roivant Sciences as one of its earliest employees, and built and led the team responsible for the in-licensing or acquisition of more than 30 therapeutic programs, resulting in the launch and incubation of 16 subsidiary biotechs and several successful IPOs. Lindsay has likewise demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public service, including by serving on the MIT Alumni Association Board, as Chair of the MIT Annual Fund Board, on the Board of the Women Lawyers Association of LA, and on the Leadership Council of the LA Center for Law and Justice. Roivant Social Ventures has introduced a new model of corporate philanthropy, which couples industry expertise with donor dollars to make an outsized social impact. We provide seed funding and expert advice to startups attacking systemic barriers to health equity. We also launch programs with partners to increase the number of diverse senior executives in biotech and diverse primary investigators. On this episode, we discuss Roivant, Lindsay's upcoming TEDx Event in Dallas in October, the growing ESG movement, creating companies that push a societal good, mental health, and much more. We also welcome back co-host Bob Wierema after his long hiatus from the show! Enjoy. Links: Get your tickets to TEDxVickeryPlace: https://www.tedxvickeryplace.com/event Roivant Social Ventures: https://roivantsv.org/ Lindsay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayandroski/ Michael Moore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmoore/ Bob Wierema on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wierema/ Topics: 1:47) - Welcoming back Co-host Bob Wierema (5:42) - The Alder Initiative (8:06) - Lindsay’s background and career (15:48) - Lindsay’s social impact fund (21:11) - Europe’s influence on America when it comes to ESG (24:23) - The growing ESG movement (26:59) - Reversing the profit-only focus of Big Pharma (38:07) - How would you build a successful company that pushes societal good as well as make money? (41:38) - What are some of the major hurdles in impact investing? (45:06) - What’s your take on the world right now and where we are headed? (48:30) - What’s the best path philanthropic people can take to make the most impact? (54:24) - What advice do you have for young people to be successful? (59:04) - Thoughts on Mental Health (1:05:42) - What do you want people to know about you?

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker joins us on The Climb to discuss her journey from small-town Texas to the youngest mayor of a major city in the country. We talk about equality and democracy, how social media pushes us to the fringes, solutions to bring us back to the middle, building community, and the future of Fort Worth. Enjoy The Climb! Links: Go Time in Fort Worth with Mayor Mattie Parker: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/go-time-in-fort-worth-with-mayor-mattie-parker/id1579328171 Collective Illusions by Todd Rose: https://www.amazon.com/Collective-Illusions-Conformity-Complicity-Decisions/dp/0306925680 The Hardest Job in the World by John Dickerson: https://www.amazon.com/Hardest-Job-World-American-Presidency/dp/1984854518 Topics: (1:58) - Thoughts on Equality and Democracy (6:35) - Deciding it was time to run for mayor (9:48) - Balancing a non-partisan office with a world where everything is politicized (15:33) - How do you think about increasing voter turnout? (19:07) - Solutions to bring people back to the middle (24:31) - How are you thinking about the massive growth of Fort Worth? (31:57) - Mayor Parker’s background and childhood (39:06) - What is Fort Worth focused on next? (47:11) - How do we increase the feeling of community in the city? (49:50) - What advice would you give to people interested in getting into politics? (54:47) - What do you want people to know about you?

Rhett Keisler is the Co-Founder of the Texas Beer staple: Revolver Brewing. After being acquired by Molson-Coors in 2016, Rhett founded Watertight Cocktail Co. which prides itself on using 100% real ingredients in their canned cocktails. On this episode, Rhett describes the journey of building Revolver, the story behind the acquisition from Molson-Coors and his incredible new canned cocktails at Watertight. They also discuss the impact of family support in entrepreneurship, becoming business partners with your father and the story behind the Blood & Honey beer. Enjoy The Climb! Check out Watertight here: https://watertightcocktails.com/ (0:59) - Introducing Watertight Canned Cocktail Co. (2:44) - How did you come up with the concept for Watertight? (8:13) - Rhett’s decision to leave the corporate world & start Revolver Brewing (16:44) - The father-son business dynamic (21:39) - Building the Revolver Brewing Brand (28:24) - Realizing how big Blood & Honey would be (35:51) - Getting acquired by Miller-Coors (45:16) - What was life like after selling the business? (51:33) - Building Watertight (1:03:01) - The impact Rhett’s wife has had and her support throughout (1:08:20) - Where you can find Watertight

Prior to founding Firebrand, John served as Managing Director for Techstars, a leading startup accelerator with over 40 programs around the world. While at Techstars he ran three accelerator programs in Kansas City and invested in 30 startups. John was previously a part of five startups, including one he cofounded. Before Techstars he spent nine years at UnitedHealth Group, managing large scale projects including scaling a business from zero to $1.5 billion per year and 1,500 employees in four years. With a passion for building startup ecosystems, John has been active in the Kansas City startup community since 2012, serving on several advisory boards of community organizations. On this episode, we dive deep into John's background through his career in startups, healthcare and technology. We talk about the DotCom Bubble, his founding of Firebrand, the process of raising two separate funds and what Firebrand brings to the table for their portfolio companies. We end with talking about why it's critical to keep going, but to remember to cut yourself some slack. Enjoy The Climb! Links: Visit our Website: https://www.climb-podcast.com/our-podcast/ Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmoore/ John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfein/ Firebrand Ventures: https://www.firebrandvc.com/ Topics: (2:34) - John’s background and career (13:11) - Life in the DotCom Bubble (15:41) - The importance of family dinner & living in a time without supervision (19:53) - John’s time working in the start up world, healthcare and technology (28:32) - Founding FireBrand & the explosion of Tech in the Midwest and the South (31:27) - John on raising his first two funds (39:24) - How does working in VC shape your view of early stage companies? (44:50) - Why do companies need your help? (48:18) - Advice to listeners: Cut yourself some slack, but keep going. (50:16) - What do you want listeners to know about you?

Matt Homan is the President and GM at Dickie’s Arena in Fort Worth, TX. On this episode we deep dive into Matt’s career in event management and how it led to his leadership in helping create one of the most beautiful arenas in the country. We also discuss the intricacies of the public/private partnership for the arena, adapting events in light of the pandemic and the Las Vegas shooting, virtual event, the labor market and much more. Enjoy the Climb! Check out Dickies Arena: https://dickiesarena.com/ Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-homan-7386119/ Follow The Climb: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-climb-podcast/ Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmoore/ (1:26) - Matt’s background and career leading up to Dickie’s & Fort Worth (27:51) - Sales is involved in EVERYTHING (32:22) - Is there still a role for Unions in our world going forward? (35:13) - What was the inflection point that led you to make the jump to Dickie’s & Fort Worth? (37:24) - What was your first experiences like on the project? (44:03) - The public/private partnership for funding of Dickie’s (47:37) - Adapting events in the aftermath of the Vegas shooting and Covid-19 (53:14) - What’s the value proposition for Dickie’s and Fort Worth? (56:21) - The business of ticket sales (1:00:58) - Do Virtual event experiences threaten the industry at all? (1:03:38) - Thoughts on ability for college athletes being able to monetize themselves (1:07:57) - The labor market (1:14:07) - What keeps you up at night when thinking about the next 5 years? (1:19:05) - What do you want people to know about you?

We've got one of the most special episodes ever recorded on this podcast. I am joined by my brother Philip and 3 of my lifelong friends, Roy, Rick and Ryan Seiders. We reflect back on our childhood growing up in Dripping Springs, our parental influences and trace our family lineages in Texas back to the early 1800's. We also talk about where the boys are today: We break down Philip's career in renewables, Rick's career at AG&M and Roy and Ryan's journey of founding Yeti Coolers. Enjoy the Climb! Follow The Climb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-climb-podcast/ Check out Ørsted Energy: https://us.orsted.com/ Check out Yet: https://www.yeti.com/ (1:38) - Introductions (3:22) - The Seiders and Moore’s first meeting (4:56) - The Seiders & Moore Family history in Texas during the 1800’s (12:42) - Life growing up in Dripping Springs, TX (22:05) - Parental influences (35:00) - Philips’s career in Renewables (38:35) - Commentary on the 20201 Texas Ice Storm (42:24) - What do renewables look like over the next 2 decades? (44:34) - Rick’s career at AG&M and his future career plans (52:53) - Roy and Ryan on founding Yeti (1:10:01) - What do you want people to know about you? The Climb is produced by Johnny Peterson & Straight Up Podcasts

Michael’s work life has been spent in the electronics industry where he has worked for three component manufacturers (two start-ups and one publicly traded) ranging in size from national to global, one rep firm, and one software company. On this episode we discuss Michael’s unique upbringing that led him to riding a motorcycle cross-country to begin his career in Silicon Valley. Michael is described as a visionary and he delves into his technology predictions for the next decade, the Ying & Yang of technology, where the United States will stand on the world stage going forward and much more. Enjoy The Climb! The Climb on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-climb-podcast/ Bob Wierema: www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wierema/ Michael Moore: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmoore/ Michael Knight on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelknight850/ (1:38) - Michael’s childhood and early influences (7:38) - The impact of divorce on a child and how it’s played into Michael’s marriage in adulthood (12:29) - Michael’s experience going into college and moving to Silicon Valley (17:38) - “The Renaissance Man” (30:22) - TTI :The Best Little Warehouse in Texas (33:25) - What set Michael apart at TTI (37:55) - The Visionary: Michael’s prediction for the next decade (56:43) - Where is TTI headed in their role of the technology of tomorrow? (1:05:00) - How will current supply chain issues affect component cost goals for TTI? (1:09:20) - Michael’s thoughts on the United States role going forward (1:12:05) - What do you want people to know about you? The Climb is produced by Johnny Peterson & Straight Up Podcasts

Jim & Ashley Walsh are the Father-Daughter duo behind Kimo Sabe Mezcal. Jim is also the founder of Hawaiian Vintage Chocolate, and Ashley is the founder of Inner State, a Psilocybin-based wellness company. On this episode, we discuss Jim's entrepreneurial parenting style, their move to Hawaii for a "1950's-style" family experience, starting the first chocolate company on the islands and eventually into the success of Kimo Sabe Mezcal and Ashley's journey of founding her own company. Enjoy the Climb! The Climb on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-climb-podcast/ Bob Wierema: www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wierema/ Michael Moore: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmoore/ Kimo Sabe: https://kimosabemezcal.com/ www.Instagram.com/kimosabemezcal (1:46) - Spirituality, Purpose, Drive, Determination & Family (11:56) - Jim & Ashley on parenting (15:56) - “Gen-z” will learn more from technology than from their parents (22:52) - The Foundations of Hawaiian Vintage Chocolate (31:38) - How the business exploded in growth (36:35) - Bridging Chocolate and Mezcal (38:39) - Why is Tequila more well-known than Mezcal? (42:09) - The Father-Daughter and Co-Founder Dynamic (49:10) - Ashley’s resolve and self-assurance (53:05) - Why Ashley left the entertainment business (1:01:38) - The future for Kimo Sabe & Inner State (1:06:36) - What do you say to folks who doubt the benefits of Psilocybin or folks who criticize the moves you’ve made in Mexico? (1:13:35) - What do you want the other to know about you?